Signs Your Parents Can't Live Alone in Sarasota, FL
As our parents age, it’s natural to notice changes in their daily routines and abilities to complete daily living activities and tasks. You may begin to notice that their once-tidy home is now cluttered, their personal hygiene isn't being maintained as it used to be, or they begin to show signs of memory impairments such as forgetting important dates or struggling to remember everyday things. These changes can be unsettling for adult children to notice and may leave you questioning how to know when your loved one can no longer live alone.
Realizing that your mom or dad may not be able to live alone anymore can be a deeply emotional and stressful realization, as there is no handbook to guide you through this stage of life. At Visiting Angels in Sarasota, FL, we understand the weight placed on adult children when it comes to making decisions for parental care. That’s why we’re here to support you. Whether you’re noticing small changes in behavior or facing a clear need for additional care, our compassionate team is ready to help you explore all available options to ensure your loved one’s safety, comfort, and dignity.
To better help adult children determine if their parents need assistance while living at home, we have outlined key signs to look for when deciding if your loved one is able to live independently and provide practical steps to help you make informed decisions about their care. We have first-hand experience helping families navigate these difficult decisions, so you don’t have to handle this on your own.
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How To Know When An Elderly Person Can't Live Alone
As your mom or dad ages, certain warning signs may indicate they need additional in-home care and support. Being aware of these signs can help you determine when it’s time to explore alternative living arrangements or seek in-home care near you. If you’re seeing one or more of these signs in your loved one, it’s time to start discussing their needs and exploring solutions so that they can receive the care and support they need. Whether they require in-home care in Sarasota, Florida to help with daily living activities or live-in care, addressing these concerns promptly can help ensure their well-being and provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Below are some of the most common signs to look out for:
Trouble With Basic Self-Care
If your loved one’s hygiene isn’t up to their usual standards, then they may need some extra help. Signs of inadequate hygiene such as skipping showers or wearing the same clothes for days could signal deeper issues. They may lack the energy to maintain their self-care routines, fear falling in the bathroom, or struggle with mobility. Concerns like these may also relate to a need for shower safety for seniors, as they might be avoiding bathing due to fear of slipping or injury. In some cases, these behaviors might be signs of depression, fatigue, or the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Similarly, difficulties keeping their clothes clean or not doing laundry regularly may arise from limited access to laundry facilities or physical limitations.
Decline in Mobility and Increased Falls
Mobility challenges can make everyday tasks, like climbing stairs or getting out of a chair, difficult and unsafe. If your loved one is frequently falling or appears to not be able to get around their home easily, it’s a clear sign that additional assistance or safety measures are needed. Falls can lead to serious injuries for loved ones, including fractures or head trauma, which can greatly impact their independence and overall well-being.
Withdrawal From Friends and Activities
A noticeable withdrawal from social activities, hobbies, or interactions with friends and family that typically brought them joy in the past can be a sign of declining mental or physical health. Isolating from family and social gatherings may stem from fatigue, difficulty traveling, or cognitive impairments, and it can increase feelings of loneliness and depression.
Medication Mismanagement
Forgetting to take medications, taking incorrect doses, or refusing to take any prescribed medications or treatments are concerning signs for seniors living by themselves. These issues may arise from confusion about dosage schedules, poor eyesight, simple stubbornness, or an inability to travel to refill prescriptions. Medication mismanagement can significantly impact your loved one’s physical and mental health, which can lead to worsening health conditions or dangerous side effects.
Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
Significant weight changes in your parents can be another red flag. Sudden weight loss might be a sign that your loved one isn’t cooking due to pain, fatigue, or forgetfulness, while weight gain may suggest an over-reliance on processed convenience foods. Starting to develop an unhealthy diet may be because cooking has become too difficult or unappealing. Both scenarios can have a serious impact on their overall health.
Financial Mismanagement and Falling for Scams
Difficulty managing finances, such as not paying bills on time or falling victim to scams, is a concerning sign for seniors living alone at home. Elderly individuals living alone are often targeted by scam artists with schemes that have similar themes such as fake home repairs, lottery scams, or identity theft. If you notice your parent isn’t paying their bills, any unusual financial transactions, or have been a victim of scams, it’s essential to intervene. In some cases, consulting a legal advisor can help you uncover and address the financial exploitation your loved one was tricked into.
What To Do When A Parent Can No Longer Live Alone?
If you’re unsure whether your parent can continue living alone or if you’ve already determined that they need additional support, but want to remain in the comfort of their own home, Visiting Angels in Sarasota is here to help. Our compassionate team specializes in connecting you with caregivers near you who provide personalized in-home care that allows seniors to age in place safely and with dignity. Even if you’re uncertain about your loved one’s needs, we offer free in-home consultations to assess your loved one’s situation and help you determine the best course of action. Together, we’ll create a care plan that makes sure your parent receives the in-home assistance they need while preserving their independence and quality of life.